Valley Yarns Fleur de Sel Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Valley Yarns Fleur de Sel Cardigan

Garment Overview

The Fleur de Sel Cardigan is an intermediate-level crochet cardigan designed by Sara Delaney. This garment is constructed using a top-down, worked-flat approach with seaming, making it an excellent project for crocheters looking to develop their shaping and stitch skills. The cardigan is available in five finished sizes ranging from 32 to 48 inches, accommodating a variety of body measurements and fit preferences.

Construction Technique

This cardigan employs a top-down construction method, meaning the crocheter begins at the neckline and works downward toward the hem. The garment is worked flat in rows rather than in the round, which allows for precise shaping at the shoulders and front edges. Seaming is used to join sections together, creating clean, finished seams that contribute to the polished appearance of the final piece. This construction method provides excellent control over fit and allows for easy adjustments during the building process.

Stitch Work and Pattern Details

The Fleur de Sel Cardigan features a sophisticated fan stitch pattern that creates an elegant, lacy aesthetic. The primary stitches used throughout the pattern include:

• Double crochet (dc) – forms the foundation and structural base of the garment
• Treble crochet (tr) – creates height and dimension within the fan motifs
• Chain stitches (ch) – used for spacing and creating openwork details between stitch groups

The signature fan pattern repeats throughout the cardigan, created by combining treble crochets with chain spaces and a central double crochet, all worked into the same stitch. This creates a shell-like or fan appearance that is both decorative and structurally sound. The pattern instructions indicate multiple fans worked across each row, with the number of fans varying by size. For example, the left front shoulder features 14 to 19 fans depending on the finished size selected. Rows are repeated to build length, with specific row counts provided for each of the five sizes to ensure proper proportions.

Garment Sections

The cardigan is constructed in distinct sections that are worked separately and then seamed together:

• Left Front Shoulder – shaped to fit the shoulder and upper chest area
• Back Left Shoulder – provides coverage and structure for the back
• Center Back – the main body panel of the back piece
• Back Right Shoulder – mirrors the left shoulder for balanced shaping

Each section is worked in rows, with chain spaces created between sections to allow for proper fit and drape. The structured approach to building the cardigan in separate sections ensures accurate sizing and allows for easier customization if adjustments are needed.

Yarn and Materials

The Fleur de Sel Cardigan is designed to be worked with Valley Yarns Northfield, a premium blend yarn composed of 70% Merino wool, 20% Baby Alpaca, and 10% Silk. Each skein provides 124 yards of yardage and weighs 50 grams. The project requires between 9 and 15 skeins depending on the finished size selected, with larger sizes requiring additional yardage. The recommended colorway is Haze, though the pattern can be adapted to other Valley Yarns Northfield colors for personalization. The blend of Merino, Baby Alpaca, and Silk creates a yarn with excellent drape, softness, and a subtle sheen that enhances the elegant fan stitch pattern.

Skill Level and Project Considerations

Classified as an intermediate project, the Fleur de Sel Cardigan requires familiarity with basic crochet stitches and comfort with reading pattern repeats and managing stitch counts across multiple rows. The top-down construction method and seaming technique make this an ideal project for crocheters seeking to build experience with garment shaping and finishing. The fan stitch pattern, while visually complex, follows a consistent repeat that becomes intuitive after the first few rows.